More from Football

West Brom boss Steve Clarke not happy with lack of chances his side created

West Brom boss Steve Clarke felt his side were lacking in the final third after going down 2-0 at home to Swansea.

Last Updated: 01/09/13 7:11pm

The Baggies were somewhat shot shy at the Hawthorns, as they have been for most of the new season and one reason they currently sit at the bottom of the table and one of only two teams - the other Sunderland - without a win after three games.

"We knocked it around well, some good passing movements and we got into some really good forward positions, without creating the last bit and the chance for a goal," Clarke told Sky Sports.

"We missed one or two chances but I think overall from the possession we had, we probably didn't create enough chances.

"Very important, Swansea are a very good team and they showed that to everyone last season and they enjoy to wait and counter attack especially away from home and we knew if we went behind it would be a difficult afternoon to get back into the game."

Clarke included Nicolas Anelka in his starting XI less than a fortnight after reports emerged suggesting the French striker was set to retire from the sport.

The club denied he had ever decided to quit but did grant him compassionate leave following the death of his agent.

Anelka returned to training in midweek and Clarke had no qualms about giving him 90 minutes.

"I thought Nicolas' performance was really good and I picked him in the starting XI so I must have been happy with him (in training)," said the Scot, who appeared irked by questions about Anelka.

"Nicolas is part of the squad and he's a good player; his performance showed he is a good player. I think the fans like him, they like the fact that Nicolas Anelka plays for West Brom.

"Of course the crowd are behind him, he's one of their players. He's part of the squad and everyone is happy he's here."

Clarke is hoping to add attacking players on deadline day - with his need particularly pressing given his side's record of no goals in three league outings this season.

"I've spoken at length on about the need to bring fresh faces in to the club," he said.

"We have good people who have been working hard to make this club better and make them more competitive.

"I hope there will be some good news for the supporters, we all need good news...even I need some good news.

"I need some players in forward areas that can give us a bit of quality so we create chances."